Is the Suzuki S-Cross Concept Suzuki Auto’s American salvation?

Suzuki’s automotive branch has struggled in the United States for a long time. Along with Mitsubishi, Suzuki is expected to either adapt or retreat from our market within the next few years. Maybe, just maybe the Suzuki S-Cross Concept can reintroduce the magic Suzuki once had and keep the automaker afloat in the USA. 

Introduced recently at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki S-Cross Concept is a slightly over-styled hint at a small crossover that may either replace the Suzuki SX4 Crossover or slot in above it.

Suzuki has been painfully tight-lipped about the Suzuki S-Cross Concept, but there are a few details that point to what they have in mind for the actual S-Cross that should debut within a year. The overall size of the Suzuki S-Cross Concept is about six-inches longer, over three-inches wider and less than an inch lower than the Suzuki SX4 Crossover. 

Suzuki says that the Suzuki S-Cross Concept will be one of the cleanest vehicles in its segment with class-leading storage space. That’s about it. No word on powerplants, suspension, off road capability or sales demographics. Bubkis, nothing, nill… bummer.

The rest is speculation from The Fast Lane Car.

It’s a pretty good bet that the Suzuki S-Cross Concept has a similar powertrain that the Suzuki Kizashi has. That means the 185 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 lbs-feet of torque could be one of the optional engines – maybe. That’s not such a bad thing as it’s a brilliant little engine. That also means that the Suzuki S-Cross Concept would have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which, although not loved by driving enthusiasts, is one of the better CVT units currently sold. 

Once again, this is all speculation. I sincerely hope Suzuki exceeds our expectations and builds something as good as the Kizashi, which is the best made vehicle they sell here. We’ve been begging for some change in Suzuki’s fleet and they have been WAY too slow in producing updates in the United States. Hopefully the Suzuki S-Cross Concept’s production model is followed by the excellent Suzuki Swift or, perhaps, a replacement for the ancient Suzuki Grand Vitara.

One can only hope.

Here’s a fun video of Roman taking the Rocky Mountain friendly Suzuki SX4 Crossover off road!